Police seek female suspect in funeral break-ins

Halton police have released the description of a woman who was seen inside a suspect vehicle they say may be involved in daytime break-ins that occur when homeowners are at a funeral.

Police warned the public last week about thieves who are scanning GTA newspapers and online obituaries, then breaking into family members’ homes during the funeral.

While grieving friends and family members are at the funeral, the house is broken into, rummaged through and items such as jewelry and silver are stolen, police say.

The first such break-in occurred on February 10 in Milton. A second entry took place the next day in Acton and a third took place on February 18 in Oakville.

Police say the suspect vehicle is a black or blue van, similar to a Chevrolet Venture. It appears to have five-spoke wheels with the hubcaps missing.

The woman police say was inside the van, captured on video surveillance in the area where one of the entries took place, is described as white, 30 to 40 years old with an average build.

Police remind the public to lock all windows and doors and to have a friend or neighbour watch your home the day of the funeral.

Encourage them to call police and report any suspicious activity such as a vehicle driving back and forth in front of the house or slowing/stopping to look at the house.

Police say one of the suspects may be dropped off in the area to approach the home on foot.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637 (crimes).